The 6-Second Test: Make Your Best Résumé Yet

Recruiters, hiring managers, and HR professionals are constantly pressed for time while evaluating job applications in today's competitive labour market.

A recruiter examines a résumé for an average of six seconds before dismissing it. This means that hopefuls have six seconds to catch the hiring manager's attention and persuade them that they are the best candidate.

If you are in need of assistance in making your résumé stand out, you have come to the right place. Today, we will discuss the six-second test and how you can make your best résumé yet. Read on to learn more.

The Response Rate for Online Job Applications

Today, with advanced technology, the bulk of job applications is processed by applicant tracking systems (ATS) before they reach the hiring manager. If your resume is not ATS-friendly, it may end up in the resume's notorious "black hole."

If you are unsure whether your resume will pass these screenings, know that a résumé review is beneficial. TopResume's free assessment may indicate how the ATS reads your resume. You can use this information to edit your resume so that it gets past the robots and reaches a person. With an excellent résumé, you are one step closer to attaining your dream job.

Career Opportunities: Giving the Right Signals

If recruiters contact you with jobs in which you are uninterested, you may be giving them mixed signals about your goals.

A strong résumé is goal-oriented. It should start with your career goal and highlight your qualifications. As such, if you are changing careers, returning to a field you left years ago, or advancing your career, you will need to update your résumé.

The Stranger-Approved Assessment

Could a stranger quickly determine your professional goals and qualifications based on the first third of your resume? If so, your resume is outstanding. If not, your résumé requires improvement.

Your resume should be formatted so that recruiters and hiring managers can immediately determine your professional goals, credentials, and skills. You should employ a hybrid résumé structure with a qualifications summary at the top. To know if you have accomplished creating the right résumé, do an assessment to determine whether you're on the right track.

Keyword Optimization

Every field has its own lingo. Applicant tracking systems look for keywords in résumés to assess applications and determine appropriateness.

To pass the initial screening, include relevant keywords in your CV. They should be sprinkled throughout your overview, knowledge, and related work experience. Learn how to customize your résumé for each position, or submit it for review.

Conveying Your Achievements

Your résumé may portray you as a "doer" rather than a "successful" individual. Employers and CV writers look for this trait. When presenting your previous work experience, be sure to highlight results rather than duties.

Speak with a résumé writer if you need help describing or measuring your achievements.

Matching Your Résumé with Your Web Presence

A fantastic résumé is insufficient. Employers expect a consistent online depiction of your work history and career goals. Prior to scheduling an interview, 93% of recruiters look at your online presence.

What exactly is a "web presence"? Your personal website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages, as well as your portfolio, comprise your online presence. Make sure your online appearance complements your professional goals.

Begin by Googling yourself, removing irrelevant information, updating your privacy settings, and creating an online story that corresponds to your goals. For example, create a LinkedIn profile that reflects your work goals and distinguishes you from other candidates. This way, you will allow recruiters to find and appeal to you.

Conclusion

You only have six seconds to make an excellent first impression on the hiring manager. Using the aforementioned tips in conjunction with our free resume critique or a professional resume writer will ensure that your resume passes this test. Don't let seconds get in the way of your job search.

Do you want to learn how to write a resume? Edit-ting is a professional team that can guide you through the process of resume-building to advance your career. Book a FREE consultation today!